How to Pass Psych Evaluations on Job Applications

Be prepared to answer personal questions on your psychological evaluation.

When an employer sets out to hire someone for a job it is not uncommon for the employer to require applicants to take, and pass, psychological evaluations. By taking a psychological evaluation as part of your job application, the employer learns a little bit about your personality, whether you have the particular psychological traits that are necessary for the position and if you will be a good fit for the job. To pass a psychological evaluation, be prepared to answer questions that pertain to your inner thoughts and character, and remember there are no right or wrong answers.

Instructions

1. Read the instructions on the evaluation carefully. Some psychological evaluations aim to trick people by seeing how well they pay attention to details and follow directions. For instance, the instructions may say to only fill out every other question on the evaluation. However, if you fill out all the questions, the employer will see that you did not read the instructions, and that may have been part of the test.

2. Review and understand the questions on the evaluation before you respond to them. While there are no right or wrong answers on psychological evaluations, you still want to be sure that you understand the questions correctly so you can answer them as accurately as possible. Questions might try to trick you by asking the same thing twice in a different way, so do not race through the questions.

3. Provide honest answers. Do not tie yourself up with wondering what the employers "want" to see. Give answers that come naturally to you, or else you are not representing yourself accurately on the evaluation.

4. Keep an eye on the time. If your evaluation is timed, you need to complete the entire evaluation before the timer goes off. Leaving unanswered questions on the assessment can cause you to lose points, and it may also indicate to your prospective employer that you do not possess adequate time management skills.

5. Stay focused. Do not let your mind wander off to other things just because you know that there are no right or wrong answers. Your answers will provide employers with a profile that will be used to determine whether you qualify for a job, so take the evaluation seriously.

References

• H2R Consulting: Psychological Testing
• Best Job Interview: Pre Employment Test Tips & Techniques